Dress code

Written by Nelson Cottier in Blog Post

I am pretty excited for you right now! I am assuming you have taken my advice and completed the recommended 5 steps to start. You’re ready for the next step! Thankfully my golf mentors taught me what I needed to know. It’s my turn to pay it forward to you. I see so many first time golfers completely embarrassed with the state of their game. Little do they know, that I can predict what is ahead for them in their golf journey.

What new players quickly learn is that golf is a complicated game. It’s not just a game. It is a skill that will continue to grow and evolve as long as you play and practice. Playing golf will surprise you by the passion you develop as you improve. You’ll notice some healthy changes in life, both physical and mental. I am not sure who said that practice makes perfect? Golf is a game where perfection happens and amazes you, but doesn’t stick around for very long. Well, let’s just say that you will get closer to perfection the longer you play and practice. I often say that “I would rather be lucky than good” while playing. The more you practice the luckier you get.

Ok, you have your clubs and balls and you found a range to practice at regularly. Hopefully, you found the right teacher for you. If you are still searching that is ok. Please make sure your first teacher has two super important qualities. First, they should be completely in love with golf and excited to share their knowledge. Second, they should be passionate about teaching the game. Assuming they are a PGA professional, they should be able to light you up with knowledge. I highly recommend you connect with their style of teaching. It’s a two way street like any relationship, and how they teach must work for you as well! That goes for golf clinics as well. Make sure you shop around!

Dress Code for Golf

Let’s talk about golf attire and how to look like a seasoned golfer. Golfers do wear golf specific attire, but you don’t need to make big purchases right away. The time of year will definitely dictate what you wear on a golf course. You may have clothes in your closet now that will work. When you practice you can wear whatever you feel comfortable wearing at a range within reason. The dress code for almost all golf courses requires a collard golf shirt, Bermuda-length shorts or slacks for men. Skirts, shorts, slacks or skorts are appropriate for women. Denim jeans are generally discouraged.

Golf Shoes

The golf shoe is one of the most important items you will need. Make sure you get the best quality for your budget. The price range for a good golf shoe can range between $50 and $250 depending on where you purchase. When you first start you can use running shoes as a substitute. You will find yourself slipping especially if the grass is wet.

Golf shoes before 1992 used metal spikes. Metal spikes are no longer allowed on golf courses today. Golf Shoes now use soft spikes. The main reason metal spikes are no longer allows was due to the damage to the Greens and Fairways. Some brands of soft spikes also affect the greens, but not as much as metal spikes.

3 Types of golf courses to consider

  1. Private – Country Club
  2. Public – Upscale
  3. Public – Municipal

Private Country Club

First, how do you know if it’s a private club? I recommend checking out their website. Do a google search for private golf courses nearby as your search term. When I did my google search, Cypress Point Club club came up as the top result. Generally, you must play with a club member and be invited and their member account is deducted for your play. Ask the member who invited you for any additional details about the dress code to be safe.

Public – Upscale

Second, there any many upscale courses that are public who charge many hundreds of dollars to play a round. Be prepared to book many months in advance due to the high demand to play. The courses that charge the most are usually part of the PGA Tour and featured on TV annually. Courses that have hosted a Major Championship usually command the highest green fees. More about green fees in a future post.

Public – Municipal

Third, Municipal golf courses will be where you play your first 18 holes of golf. Some courses will allow denim and are more relaxed about what you wear. I would definitely check the course website for details or call the pro shop and ask.

To summarize, I recommend to always dress appropriately. Golf attire can be a lot of fun! I recommend expressing yourself in whatever way suits you best. Some golfers like to wear bright colors and designs. Payne Stewart was known for his knickers. John Daly wore outrageous paisley, zigzag, checkered and paint splattered pants. Rickie Fowler has influenced a new generation of golfers with his signature vibrate orange clothes, aggressive plaids and patterns.

  1. Shirt must have a collar. Make sure you tuck the shirt into your pants as well
  2. Shorts are acceptable (Bermuda Style)
  3. Slacks or dress pants
  4. Golf Shoes
  5. Golf Hat – Don’t wear it backwards
  6. Skirt or skorts or for women
  7. No Jeans or Denim
  8. No t-shirts
  9. No sandals

Recent Posts